Each month, we highlight a committed member from the educator community. From early education through high school, classroom teachers, librarians, administrators, and makerspace facilitators are, unquestionably, the backbone when it comes to providing students with relevant learning experiences. Especially in creating innovative opportunities with technology, we know that those who prioritize student-centered, inquiry-based, and also collaborative learning are doing all they can for children. For that (and other reasons), we launched our Eduporium Featured Educator series to share some successes educators have had. We also wanted to do all we could to help inspire other educators around the country. Each one plays such a vital role in advancing student outcomes and integrating new technology. Ultimately, we hope this leads to teachers trying some new things in the classroom or makerspace.
We love highlighting how teachers in all grades use STEM tools in robotics, coding, engineering, 3D printing, or even classroom VR lessons to redefine readiness and boost students’ development. If you’re a classroom teacher, librarian, administrator, makerspace facilitator, SEL specialist, or have any other title, we’d love to highlight your work across our digital channels.
Jennifer works mostly with middle school kids and helps them boost many STEAM skills through real-world experiences. Whether in introducing them to computer science and robotics or digital design experiences using CAD platforms like TinkerCAD, she’s helped them to build new problem-solving competencies and increased the interest many have in computer science.
Renee is an education technology specialist with the Atlanta Public School System and she’s seen firsthand how shifting from traditional instruction to more detailed strategies often truly impact how students learn. To that end, one of the biggest areas that she and her colleagues have placed focus on is personalized learning in education. Read on to learn how she’s done it!
In our newest Featured Educator post, we hear from Nick French, the Director of Teaching and Learning and Special Services for the Ocosta School District. Like so many other educators, Nick and his team have adopted targeted SEL approaches, including the Mightier SEL games, to help push past new difficulties students faced after the pandemic.
To kick off 2022, we’re hearing from Allison Miller, an assistant principal in the Jackson R2 School District in Jackson, Missouri. Allison has seen students benefit from tech-based learning experiences in a number of ways, including enhanced authenticity, bringing the 4 Cs to life, and many other outcomes. Keep reading to learn more about her efforts!
As a media specialist, Mary’s found some creative ways to teach poetry and help make it exciting for students while inspiring each of them to create technology projects based on that inspiration. Through her efforts, she’s seen students respond enthusiastically, get excited about sharing their ideas with classmates, and look for opportunities to collaborate!
Our newest Featured Educator is Patti Andreolas, an elementary teacher from Queens, NY. Patti has become involved in a variety of innovative projects with her students, helping them develop both hard and soft skills in the classroom. Whether it’s with physical or digital EdTech tools, she’s seen how hands-on learning can impact how students develop.
For the month of October, we hear from Matthew Strine, who’s a STEM teacher in the Monessen (PA) School District. He’s had the opportunity to impact students through STEM learning and, whether it’s hands-on projects or challenging students to think critically, he certainly understands the importance of relevant learning experiences.
Amanda and Cathy each work at the E.T. Booth Middle School in the Cherokee County School District (GA). They work together in a number of creative ways to help empower students to create technology projects, specifically with podcasting. Despite facing some challenges, this pair of educators has found some inspiring ways of using EdTech tools!
It’s time for our newest Eduporium Featured Educator interview! For the month of July, we’re fortunate to pass on some inspiring stories from Jessica Moore. Jessica is a G&T teacher at the Buena Vista Elementary School in Greer, SC. Learn how her commitment to the SAMR model has helped equip students with relevant knowledge and experiences!
